Denver Broncos’ head coach Sean Payton has never been one to voluntarily dissect the subject of injuries—consider it his own unwritten rule. Whether leading the Saints or steering the Broncos, Payton keeps injury details close to the vest. When pushed by reporters for more information, the conversation can become a bit tense.
Right now, the Broncos’ wide receiver room is buzzing with chatter about Devaughn Vele, who was notably absent during all of the Broncos’ mandatory minicamp sessions. This is a player who has been turning heads since the Organized Team Activities (OTAs), particularly when the media was given a window into his promising performance.
Vele, who has earned himself a soft spot in Payton’s game plan, is coming off a stellar rookie season. Graded on a curve, he’s a gem of a seventh-round pick who most NFL scouts probably overlooked. While Payton has kept the details of Vele’s absence under wraps, he has offered a morsel of good news: Vele is expected to be ready for the start of training camp.
Speaking to the media, Payton stated, “He’s going to be full-go start of training camp. Everything is good.”
Pressed for more, Payton declined to dive deeper into the specifics. The mystery surrounding Vele’s absence is unfortunate, especially since he was making such significant strides in practice. The hype around him hit a hiccup with his minicamp absence, but the good news is his full participation expected for mid-July, aligning his return perfectly to potentially earn a critical role in the regular season roster.
Once you look at Vele’s rookie stats, it’s easy to see why there’s so much anticipation. He snagged 41 catches, 26 of which turned into first downs. Sure, he grappled with annoying drops and an early season injury setback, but overall, his debut season offered enough positive takeaways to keep fans—and coaches—interested.
However, the competition is stiff. Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant have been making the most of their opportunities in Vele’s absence, and with the integration of Evan Engram into the Broncos’ offensive plan, there will be more hands reaching for the ball.
Given the stiff competition, any further delays or injuries could place Vele in a precarious position, especially as other players vie for key roles. As the Broncos gear up for an intense training camp, Vele’s health and readiness will be pivotal, not just for kickstarting his sophomore year, but also for solidifying his place among Denver’s receiving talents.
